Weightlifting After Heart Valve Surgery: What Patients Should Know

Can patients safely return to weightlifting after heart valve surgery? In this video, Dr. William Brinkman, a leading cardiac surgeon at Baylor Scott & White in Plano, Texas, responds to a patient concerned that moderate-to-heavy lifting could place excessive strain on the heart or a repaired valve. He explains that weightlifting may be a beneficial part of an exercise routine for individuals with a normal heart, normal valve and no aortic aneurysm.

Dr. Brinkman also discusses situations in which heavy lifting may need to be restricted. Patients recovering from an aortic valve repair or Ross Procedure may be advised to limit strenuous lifting during the early months—and sometimes for up to a year—because straining can cause significant blood-pressure spikes that may stress newly repaired valve leaflets. He also explains why patients with an aortic aneurysm are often advised to avoid heavy lifting due to the potential risk of aortic dissection. (Video posted on August 27, 2026)